St. Catherine, Jamaica, November 3, 2025 — The Jamaica Red Cross (JRC), in partnership with Telecoms Sans Frontières (TSF), has begun installing Starlink satellite internet systems across communities most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, restoring crucial communication links for residents and responders.
On Saturday, November 2, the latest installation was completed at the Westmoreland Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross, providing a new hub for residents in the area to access internet services. This follows an earlier installation in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, with Montego Bay and other sites to be equipped in the coming days, to ensure continued connectivity in hard-hit communities.
Leiska Powell, Emergency Services Manager at Jamaica Red Cross, noted, “Access to reliable internet can mean the difference between isolation and connection during crisis recovery. With the support of TSF, we are strengthening our ability to help families find each other, share updates, and access critical resources at a time when communication means comfort.”
This collaboration builds on the strong relationship established between TSF and the Jamaica Red Cross during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, when the first Starlink system was deployed at the Rocky Point Emergency Shelter. This served both shelter occupants and other residents in the aftermath of the Hurricane.
“We’ve been working with the Red Cross for some time, now,” explained Armando Samayoa, TSF Regional Representative. “The objective is to set up connectivity in Red Cross shelters and locations. The ideas so the Red Cross can coordinate and the community can communicate.” Samayoa said.
The improved internet access will not only benefit affected residents but also enhance the Jamaica Red Cross’s Restoring Family Links (RFL) service, which reconnects individuals separated from their families during emergencies. Since Hurricane Melissa’s impact, the JRC has seen a growing number of requests from people seeking information on missing relatives.
Ongoing Relief Efforts
The Jamaica Red Cross continues to deliver humanitarian assistance across the island in response to Hurricane Melissa.
- 150 food packages and other essential non-food items were delivered to the Savanna-la-Mar Branch on November 2, with household distributions beginning today.
- Distributions also continued in St. Elizabeth, extending support to Holland Village, following earlier interventions in Burnt Ground and Santa Cruz.
- Members of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Unit are present on these missions to provide emotional and psychological care, acknowledging the overwhelming sense of loss and anxiety that often follow such devastating events. To date, a total of 73 persons have benefitted from Psychological First Aid in the parishes of Manchester, St. Elizabeth, and Westmoreland.
“We understand that recovery is not just about physical supplies, it is also about emotional healing,” Clarke added. “Our teams are committed to walking alongside affected families as they process their experiences and rebuild their lives.”
The Jamaica Red Cross urges the public to stay informed through its official communication channels and to continue supporting relief and recovery efforts. Donations to the Hurricane Melissa Relief Appeal can be made through the Jamaica Red Cross website at www.jamaicaredcross.org/donate. Every contribution helps provide food, medical support, and psychosocial care to those most in need.
